Bernard Matthews MD Jeff Halliwell resigns

Bernard Matthews MD Jeff Halliwell is to leave his post on Friday (13 August) following a 14-month tenure in the position.

Halliwell will resign from his job at the end of the week ‘to pursue other interests’.

The former MD of the First Milk Cheese Company held previous senior positions at Mars, Cow & Gate, Milupa, Northern Foods and Fox’s Biscuits. He joined Bernard Matthews in June 2009.

Bernard Matthews’ Group chief executive Noel Bartram said: “On behalf of the board I would like to thank Jeff for his contribution to the ongoing recovery programme which continues to show encouraging results. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Halliwell has also stated that he is pleased with the progress the company had made during his tenure. “Bernard Matthews is well-positioned to achieve continuing growth over the next period."

The company as made a series of moves in the market in 2010, including acquiring Lincs Turkeys, signing up chef Marco Pierre White as a brand ambassador and launching a new £5m marketing campaign.

Bernard Matthews’ full-year statement in June revealed group turnover fell last year, while operating profits rose in the same period.